The 1972 three-terminal horseshoe design is outdated and costly, according to boosters.

KMBC's Micheal Mahoney reported that while the move pushes the plan ahead, it does not mean a new airport will be built.

"This is the end of the beginning," City Manager Troy Schulte said.

City Council members saw a concept of the new plan at a meeting Thursday.

Kansas City Aviation Director Mark VanLoh said the single-terminal concept does several things.

He believes it could lure more flights to KCI, reduce reduce the need for as many security stations at KCI's numerous gates, and maintain the curbside convenience that KCI is known for. The proposal would segregate arriving and departing passengers, as many airports currently do.

VanLoh said he thinks a single terminal would make KCI more attractive to more airlines.

"We've lost flights because airlines don't have the space to expand," he said.

He also said he thinks a single terminal would help the airport cut its security expenses by half.

VanLoh said the project could cost $1.2 billion, paid for by a ticket tax, money from the airlines and from the federal aviation fund.

"This money will be spent," he said. "Other airports will get it. If we don't, someone else will."

The only chance for voters to have a voice in the matter would be an election on the financing.

A yes or no vote on the overall project by Kansas City voters is unlikely, Mahoney reported.

Chairman Russ Johnson said KCI is now losing business to smaller airports like in Branson.

"Have you ever been there?" he asked.

Mahoney reported that when he tried to ask Johnson to elaborate, he refused to elaborate on his public remarks.

The convenience of Kansas City International Airport has long been a popular factor among local residents. In few other airports can a passenger go from a car to a ticket counter to a gate in just a few short steps.

"I think the general consensus is that it's a bad idea," said Amber Hart, a driver who picks up a lot of passengers from the airport. "They think this is an easy place to get in and out of."

"I rarely have a problem with security now or getting around here. I don't know why they'd change it," said Vic Vanek, a business traveler from Chicago.

Airport consultant Mark Perryman said there would still be curbside service for dropping people off.

"Nothing would change," he said, of the convenience factor.

"It's an unpopular project in town," said critic Patrick Shami. "And there is no promise KCI will get more flights or any airline hub."